In this Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015 photo a nasal administered dose of Narcan is seen in school nurse Kathleen Gage's Pilgrim High School office Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015, in Warwick, R.I. A new state law requires middle schools and high schools to stock Narcan, which can reverse the effects of an overdose of drugs such as heroin or prescription painkillers.(AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The New York State Department of Health has announced an agreement with CVS/pharmacy that will help prevent opioid overdose deaths in New York State.

This agreement authorizes 479 CVS/pharmacy locations across the State to provide naloxone to their customers without a prescription.

Pharmacists are currently receiving training and ordering naloxone for their stores.

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication which reverses opioid overdose, and is one of the priorities at the center of Governor Cuomo’s fight to end opioid abuse in New York State.

“Naloxone is a proven life-saver that counteracts the depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system, allowing an overdose victim to breathe normally.” Said State Health Commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker. “This agreement with CVS/pharmacy will help to save lives and hopefully get people on the road to recovery.”

When administered either through injection or by nasal spray, naloxone temporarily blocks the effects of opioids allowing a stricken individual to regain consciousness and resume normal breathing. These potentially life-threatening opioids include medicines prescribed to address pain as well as illicit drugs such as heroin.